The video showed the streets of the capital city. Massive crowds of citizens ran through the local markets. They screamed loudly. They waved their hands in the air. They held up large wooden signs. The signs said "NO WAR" and "WE ARE NOT KILLERS". Store windows were smashed. People threw rocks. The public chaos was absolute.
"The public is completely terrified," Sarah reported over the video. "They demand immediate answers from the Emperor. They want to know why our nation destroyed a friendly kingdom. The international community is totally furious. Rival nations are threatening to close their borders. The entire continent is on the brink of absolute chaos."
Princess Iris walked out of the strategy room. She wore her crisp dark blue uniform. Her silver hair was tied in a loose ponytail. She looked at the television. Her violet eyes filled with deep concern.
"The citizens are rioting," Princess Iris observed quietly. She stood next to Sayma. "They believe we are the villains. They believe our Empire is evil. This is a massive disaster for our reputation."
"We are not evil!" Laxmi shouted loudly. She punched her open palm. Bright orange flames roared around her knuckles. "We did not shoot that weapon! We fought the bad guys! We stopped the secret laboratory! We are the good guys!"
"The citizens do not know that, Laxmi," Sayma explained politely. She bent down and picked up her pen from the floor. She pushed her glasses up again. "The trial was a complete secret. The public does not know about Dr. Raven. They do not know about the corrupt politicians hiding in the shadows. They only know what the news tells them."
The television screen changed again. A very wealthy, polished politician appeared on the broadcast. It was Senator Norman. He wore a dark purple suit. Gold rings shined on his fingers. He stood behind a nice wooden podium. He looked very serious.
"Citizens of Belmontia," Senator Norman spoke smoothly into a microphone. "Please remain entirely calm. The Emperor did not order this attack. The Upper Council did not approve this strike. We are completely innocent of this crime."
Ken stopped chewing his apple. He stared at Senator Norman on the TV. He knew exactly who that man was. He knew Norman was the true mastermind behind the entire conspiracy.
"We believe a group of radical extremists infiltrated our eastern mountains," Senator Norman lied flawlessly. He looked very sad and concerned. "These rogue terrorists stole classified military equipment. They fired the weapon without our knowledge. We are actively hunting these criminals right now. We will bring them to absolute justice."
Zinia scoffed loudly. She shook her head. "Extremists? That is a very convenient excuse. He is just blaming random people to protect the government."
"It is a classic scapegoat tactic," Ken mumbled lazily. He popped another potato chip into his mouth. "The corrupt council members always blame terrorists. It happens in every single political thriller anime. The real villain just stands at a podium and lies to the cameras. He probably has the missile remote control in his pocket right now. He is a terrible actor."
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Naomi laughed softly. She bumped her shoulder against his arm again. "You watch way too many cartoons, Ken. But you are probably right. The politicians are definitely hiding something massive."
"I am always right," Ken smiled goofily. "My brain is a massive database of useless television tropes. It makes me a certified genius. I can predict the entire plot."
Risa sat on the rug. The pink-haired healer hugged her stuffed teddy bear tightly. She looked at the angry crowds on the television. She felt very scared. She did not like loud noises.
"The people look very angry," Risa whispered softly. "I do not like it when people are angry. Will they attack our estate? Will they throw rocks at our windows?"
Luna lay on the wooden bench. She rubbed her sleepy eyes. She let out a massive yawn. "Nobody is going to attack the estate, Risa. We have Zinia. She can build a giant rock wall around the house. We can just take a nice, long nap until the riots stop completely. Sleep solves all problems."
Princess Iris looked at her team. She felt a massive responsibility. She needed to protect the citizens. She needed to uncover the absolute truth behind the launch.
"We cannot just take a nap, Luna," Princess Iris stated firmly. She drew her silver rapier. The blade gleamed in the sunlight. "We must find out who actually launched that weapon. If the extremists are real, we must stop them. If the politicians are lying, we must expose them to the entire world."
"I totally agree," Laxmi cheered. She tossed another fireball into the air. "Let us go punch some extremists! Or punch some politicians! I do not care! I just want to hit the people who blew up the Bluemoon Kingdom!"
Ken slouched his shoulders even further. He sank deep into the sofa cushions. He let out a long, dramatic groan. He threw his hands in the air.
"You guys are talking about working again," Ken complained loudly. "I just wanted to watch my show. The main character was about to do his special attack. It was a very cool energy beam. Now I have to listen to boring news reports about politics. This is a massive tragedy for my entertainment schedule. My day is completely ruined."
Naomi smiled warmly. She reached over and ruffled his messy black hair. She did not care that he was complaining. She liked his goofy attitude. "You can watch your show later, slacker. We have a huge mystery to solve. We need your lazy brain to figure this out."
"Mysteries require walking," Ken whined lazily. "Walking requires moving my legs. My legs are officially on strike. They demand better working conditions and more snack breaks."
Ken knew the situation was incredibly dire. He knew the corrupt politicians launched the weapon. He knew they used the Belmontia Empire to destroy the Bluemoon Kingdom. He knew Senator Norman was entirely responsible.
But Ken needed actual proof. He needed raw data. He could not just accuse a powerful Senator without solid evidence. He needed his spymaster. He needed to talk to Ryu.
Ken sat up slowly. He put his bag of chips on the coffee table. He grabbed his stomach with both hands. He bent over slightly. He put on a highly exaggerated face of pure discomfort.
"Oh man," Ken groaned loudly. He waved his hand in the air. "I think I ate too many sour cream and onion chips. My stomach is doing massive backflips. It feels like a washing machine inside my belly. I am in immense pain."
Naomi looked at him. She looked slightly worried. "Are you okay, Ken? Do you need Risa to use some healing magic?"
"No, no, I just need a bathroom break," Ken lied smoothly. He stood up and hunched his shoulders. "I will be right back. Please save the rest of my apple slices. If anyone eats them, I will absolutely cry."
"I will guard your apples," Naomi promised gently. She patted his arm. "Go take care of your stomach."
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